Saturday, January 31, 2009

Man, that Stephen Obama sure can shoot. I like my change, but least some things dont change....

On to the game today. Getting G'Town at home, nice break there. DaJuan Summers came out stoopid hot and hit hit the first the GTown shots to give them a 8-2 advantage early. Summers ends up 9-12 FG on the game. I cant believe he only took 9 more shots on the game when he was 3-3 in the first 2 minutes. Dude, shoot the rock!!! MU looked a little sluggish early on, but got their shit together to get this game tied at the half at 42.

I was interested to see if Monroe could exploit the lack of MU inside game/height. All in all, he was effective but appeared to play small. He went 5-7 FG but Georgetown never really appeared to make a concerted effort to establish him inside.

Tied at 52 in the second half, MU goes on a 19-6 run and never looks back. MU again relies on the bench not, as again the main 4 all have 36+ minutes. At least this time someone else scored. In the most shocking stat of the game, DJames only shoots 6 times. So you are thinking he had 14 assists....wrong...3. Quiet game. Fun fact, James is shooting 45.9% FT on the season. Are you f-ing kidding me? Dude, Shaq is shooting over 60% this year. Ridiculous.

So, what do I make of this game? They won a game they should have won. Surprised the put up 90, not the game you usually expect against Georgetown (i.e. the normal 52-48 please kill me this is so brutal game....). McNeal is the best player on this team, but they will live and die with Lazar Haywood. He's doing the work inside, 6-6 playing like he's 6-9. Extremely solid, tough, and dependable. They should win their next 2 before going to Villanova, which may be the spot get tripped up on this win streak.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Well, I’m over it enough to be able to break down the game without swearing. First of all Wake Forest is a really good team so there’s no shame in a 2 point loss on the road for Duke. On top of that we learned a lot of good things about Duke but there were also a couple glaring issues.

Let’s hit the low points first:

1. Point Guard Play: Paulus’s decision making and defense are never going to get better but for him to be productive he’s going to need to score 6-8 points a game and keep the other team’s point honest. Nolan Smith, who looked great early in the season is shooting awful and seems to be in foul trouble a lot. At one point in the second half they even went back to Scheyer at the point.2. Jon Scheyer: Speaking of Scheyer, where has his jumper gone? Suddenly it’s a two man show between Henderson and Singler. To complete in the ACC and not fall in the second round of the tournament they need to have 3 reliable scorers. Right now they need Scheyer, Smith, or Paulus to step up.3. Their Freshman: Non-existant is the issue. Plumee plays 7 minutes and Williams 3. Mix in these guys to keep Singler and Henderson fresh. The last thing we need is those two hitting a wall late in the season again.4. Height: The lack of height and Zoubek barely counts, was exposed again. The biggest problem isn’t that they aren’t tall it’s that they don’t play big. Zoubek is 7-1 and Thomas 6-8 but they play so low to the ground they constantly get their shots swatted.

Now for the high points:

1. Gerald Henderson: Give Mike Patrick credit for stealing Demski’s “cold-blooded” line last night. Henderson is averaging close to 20 in ACC play and when he’s needed to step he does. That fade away to tie the game was sweet.2. Kyle Singler: Dude is a small forward and he seems to get 10+ rebounds every game. Kind of like Lazar Hayward I guess. 22 and 12 last night to keep them in the game was the kind of performance we expect3. Tenacity: Last year’s team would not have come back to tie that game. Last year the final is 70-52 in a laugher. Down 61-48 they locked down defensively and slowly chipped away at the lead whittling it down to a tie. They never seemed to panic and I only recall a couple forced shots from Scheyer and Paulus down the stretch.4. David McClure: This guy might be the difference maker this year. Hear me out before you laugh. In the middle of the first half he enters the game for Zoubek and is put on their 7-0 center (McClure is 6-4). Two plays later, after Teague hits a drive and a jumper over Smith, Duke slides McClure over on Teague. Yes, in a matter of 3 minutes McClure played man to man on the Wake Forest center and point guard. And on top of that, you know what kind of respect they gave McClure? Wake put Teague beyond the 3 point line and didn’t move him. With McClure not leaving his side they were content to play 4-4 without the leading candidate for ACC player of the year and this happened more than once during the game.

There you have it, my unbiased opinion of the Wake Forest-Duke game. I didn’t even mention how the refs screwed Duke with the crappy travel call with 2 seconds left.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Eff Wake Forest. And while I'm at it, Eff unc. You suck and you almost -Damn it!- almost lost again. No, the hate does not ever end. Here's a gem from Reilly:

"At the end of my interview with North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough in Chapel Hill recently, I threw out: "Is it true you freestyle?" And he said, "Yeah, you wanna hear one?" And then he delivered this, without a milliliter of gangster:

Give the ball toThe tower of powerPass it back outWatch my main man BobbyDrain threes likeHe's in the shower"

Are you fucking kidding me? The suckfest continues. I honestly can't wait until he moves on to the next level so I never have to read this crap again. His lyrical genius should add to his street cred and allow him to really bond with the fine, upstanding citizens in the NBA.

I'm not exactly sure what draining threes in the shower means but it sounds gay and borderline illegal. How does he know what Bobby does in the shower? Is this some sort of code? And if you are "draining threes" while "in the shower" I suspect you are doing it wrong.

Today’s focus is going to be low majors that can do some damage if they make the tournament. Most of these will probably be no higher than a 12 seed so it will take a herculean effort to pull off an upset but each of them have it in them:

Wisconsin – Green Bay, 15-6RPI: 79 SOS: 253 I’m saying it now, UWGB will upset Butler in the Horizon League tournament and will make the NCAA’s as a 14 or 15 seed. This team is deep with 5 players averaging double digits and has played well most of the year. 3 of their losses came against tournament teams in Wisconsin, Utah, and Butler.

VMI, 16-3RPI: 118 SOS: 324Averaging 95 points per game this team will be fun to watch in March. 4 players average over 16 points per game and are led by twin brothers, Travis and Chavis Holmes at 21.8 ppg and 19.3 ppg. Big win over Kentucky 111-103 is looking bigger now that Kentucky is leading the SEC.

Siena, 16-5RPI: 20 SOS: 26Everybody remembers Siena from last year when they upset Vanderbilt as a 13 seed. This year they could be even better. 4 of their 5 losses have come against teams currently projected as in the tournament right now, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma State, Kansas, and Tennessee. With an RPI and SOS in the 20’s they will get consideration as an at large should they not win their conference tournament. They’re in the MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) in case you didn’t know.

North Dakota State, 14-5RPI: 117 SOS: 293The RPI and SOS aren’t anything to write home about but this team can ball. Take out their 9 point loss to the Golden Gophers and their other 4 losses came by a total of 15 points including a close one at USC. This team is lead by two high scorers, Brett Winkleman at 19.1 and Ben Woodside who averages 25 which included a season high 60 in a 1 point loss to Stephen F. Austin.

Monday, January 26, 2009

To quote Brian's astute post:"Speaking of Marquette; tomorrow's game against Notre Dame is exactly the sort of game that is going to go a long way to figuring out if they've turned the corner. Notre Dame plays three guards like Marquette but instead of Lazar Hayward manning the middle Notre Dame's got goofy looking Luke Harangody. If Marquette is able to neutralize Haragody while McNeal shuts down McAlarny they should be able to go to 7-0 in the Big East. If not then it proves they are still vulnerable to a taller team."

Well....they definitely aint no controlled Harangody. Dude pretty much did what he wanted when he wanted to. He even stopped to shuck corn and play the jug during time outs. On the other side, they really had no answer for McNeal, and McNeal did quite the D job on McAlarney. Despite D-James going thru a 3-chucking experiment in the first half and a confirmed fake looking injury with about a minute left, MU pulls this one out by 7. Quality road win....but....

ya just gotta wonder when the Big East schedule is going to expose that lack of depth. 71 points. 4 guys scored. Hayward and the big 3 all played 36+minutes, Burke and Acker rounding it out. I fear a team that looks so good hits a wall....last 5 games prior to Big East Tourney are @GTown, UConn, @Louisvill, @Pitt, Syracuse. That be brutal, my beer drinkin friends, and it aint the time to have no depth and a team getting tired....

Side note, Brian, you would have only had one different from Lunardi if you would have actually included Marquette in your bracket update. You love Georgetown so much that they get the auto bid and the great bet slot? Jared Lovette is crying as he reads this.

This is call out to all readers and contributors that we need a new Theme song for March Madness ’09. Last years theme, “Beer”, by Pyschostick was a glorious and truthful song and a special thanks goes out to Brad Hacker for finding it but 12 months have come and gone and now it’s time to crown a new theme. Happy hunting and for old time’s sake here’s “Beer”.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Speaking of Marquette; tomorrow's game against Notre Dame is exactly the sort of game that is going to go a long way to figuring out if they've turned the corner. Notre Dame plays three guards like Marquette but instead of Lazar Hayward manning the middle Notre Dame's got goofy looking Luke Harangody. If Marquette is able to neutralize Haragody while McNeal shuts down McAlarny they should be able to go to 7-0 in the Big East. If not then it proves they are still vulnerable to a taller team.

Also, if you got time, check out the 8pm game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Not only is it a rivalry game but their contrast in style should make it interesting as Oklahoma likes to play in the sixties while Okie State need to be close to 90 to win. Plus you get to see Blake Griffin. I suggest checking that out instead of the Bachelor.

Yes, Domonic James is playing better this year, numbers and wins prove that. But, the big question is how will this play out in the tournament when it really matters. Here’s my take on it. As of now, Marquette is 5-0 in the Big East and currently a #3 seed in the bracket. I expect some bumps in the road down the stretch but ultimately 13-5 in the Big East will be good enough for a #5 seed. Now, being a 5 seed usually spells disaster because the 12 seeds are so dangerous but this year is different in that there aren’t a lot of mid-majors creeping in the picture. Because of this I see the 12 seeds being teams like Mississippi State or Wisconsin instead of South Alabama. Ultimately I see Marquette being able to win at least 2 games and be able to make the Sweet Sixteen. After that it’s going to be all about matchups as they still lack size but make up for it with superb guard play and experience.

***I wrote this yesterday before the DePaul game where Marquette looked every bit the Sweet Sixteen team in the first half and every bit the 5 seed that gets beat by the 12 seed in the second half. I guess I haven’t figured them out yet.

Friday, January 23, 2009

I cant help it if you insist that I dwell on Dominic James. But as I pondered the glory that is Marquette Golden Chickenhawk basketball, I decided to see if James really is reining it in this year. We can all agree that last year Dominic James was crappier than normal - seemed to be shooting more, passing less, jacking 3's at a pace that made you want to change your poopy one year old rather than watch the game.... Is the team improvement this year due in part to James being less involved in the shooting and more involved in being an actual point guard?

The numbers appear to support this. In 18 games this year, James has attempted 186 FG, an average of 10.3 FG/g. Last year, 35g, 399 FGA for an average of 11.4. One less shot per game, but factor in that he's also shooting 43% vs. 39.8 last year. Yes, I am shocked its 43%. A further look at assists - his averages went down each year from Fr to Jr - 5.4, 4.9, 4.4. This year he is back to 5.2 APG. So, one less shot, one more assist, and shooting slightly better - this is probably good for 4-6 ppg overall. i.e. Better team. Not the only reason, but a part of it.

Side note, I aint buying into the Buzz Williams love yet. They are going as far as the core trio of Seniors is taking them, and I dont think Buzz is responsible for a whole lot except a little more up-tempo and removing the unfrozen caveman attitude. Unfortunately, the depth doesnt appear to be there to get them past the sweet 16, and I expect struggles facing teams with dominant big men or inside depth. The schedule is brutal at the end....we'll see how good they really are.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Two months before opening weekend and it looks like Dan has already secured our first sponsor. I’m proud to report to the group that it appears that Friday morning’s lunch (aka the hangover meal) will be sponsored by BW3’s. Drink as much as you want on Thursday because nothing clears up a hangover like Spicy Garlic, Asian Zing, or plain old Medium wings.

There are a couple big games tonight as Conference play is in full effect. Let’s hit the top 3 or 4.

Northwestern @ Michigan StateNorthwestern needs a big road win to keep within sniffing distance of the Brackets. Michigan State is on a 11 game win streak and have looked unstoppable in the past month. Northwestern keeps it close but eventually loses in the last 5 minutes, 68-61.

Villanova @ ConnecticutNova has looked solid against a bunch of cream puffs while loses to all the big names teams so far. Connecticut should remain in the top 3 or 4 in the Big East all year long. Villanova is exposed for what they really are in an UConn laugher, 82-63

George Mason @ NortheasternColonial action! As you can see I still have a man crush for the Colonial conference. Northeastern is a solid team and should finish in the top half of this 14 team conference but George Mason needs these road wins to maintain the chance for an at large bid if they slip up in the conference tournament. Close game through out but George squeaks it out 64-62

Clemson @ North CarolinaClemson has 1 loss to undefeated Wake Forest, nothing to be ashamed of. North Carolina has split their last 4 as ESPN’s wet dream of a team. Clemson has lost 53 straight at UNC and it’s looking like they’ll make it 54. Clemson falls apart this game and the rest of the season, 16-1 now, 22-10 at the end of the year. UNC 91, Clemson 79

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Stock Up:Kentucky – forget Jodie Meeks’ 54 points for a minute. The 18 point win AT Tennessee is just as important. 13-4 and undefeated in the SEC speaks volumes that this team may be back.Utah State – They lose all time leading scorer JayCee Carroll to graduation and they keep on going. 15-1 so far with their only loss coming against BYU. Gary Wilkinson leads this team at almost 20 a game to go with his 9 rebounds.Wake Forest – In case you haven’t heard they knocked off North Carolina on Sunday night as 7 point dogs at home. Yes, you read that correctly, undefeated, at home, and ranked #4 and they were still getting 7 points. ESPN’s hype machine is out of control

Stock Down:North Carolina – Last years weakness was defense, this years weakness is defense. That’s great coaching from clueless Roy. The blueprint to beat this team is obvious, push the pace and stop 1 of their top 3. Let’s see who else can step upThe MAC – ugly, ugly conference. It’s mid-January and this league has no chance at a multiple bid league already. Welcome to the 14 seed who ever win the conference tournamentIllinois State – 14-0 a week ago, 14-2 today including losses to Bradley and 4-13 Indiana State. Somebody’s crashing back to earth.

Monday, January 12, 2009

And I quote from your blog article on Friday, “Everyone I know and everyone you know thinks North Carolina is the best team in the country and simply had a bad night.” Also, “First, we all agree -- all things being equal -- that UNC is the best team in the country.” Amazingly they just had another “bad night” on Sunday. Well then, I guess every time a team loses it’ll just be chalked up as a bad night. Penn State isn’t horrible, they’ve just had 8 bad nights in a row. Time to put to rest that this year is Carolina and then everybody else. Their defense appears to be even worse this year than last. Now, I’m not saying that they are going to go 6-10 in the ACC this year, I’m sure they’ll still be right around 12-4 but the days of locking UNC in the Final Four are over.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

A new feature I’m adding to the blog this year is the “Add The Caption” article. I will present a picture and it’s up to each and everyone of you to supply a caption for it. Captions can be added by clicking on comments link below the article.

Not sure if anybody has noticed but the Big Ten is back! Check out Bracketology and CBS Sportsline. They currently have 6 Big 10 teams in the tournament and 2 or 3 more on the radar. In fact, the only team with no chance at this point is the Unfrozen Caveman led Indiana Hoosiers. Now, let’s see a show of hands of all of those who are buying into the Big Ten hype this year. Yeah, me neither. Look, most of the Big Ten teams have great records. If you remove Northwestern and Indiana the worst record is Purdue (ranked 22 by the way) at 11-4. The difference between this year and the past 2 or 3 years is the Big 10 teams are actually beating North Dakota State and College of Charleston. They are still only 8-10 against non Big 10 top 25 teams as of this writing. Who do you think is better? Arizona State or Michigan? Wake Forest or Minnesota? Michigan State or Oklahoma? Yeah, they’ll probably get 6 teams in the tournament this year but how many are you picking to make the sweet 16? I’m guessing 1 and it’ll probably be Wisconsin.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Yes, Brian has a large "gathering" every March. But it could always be worse. We could also repeat the same large "gathering" for the weekend after, too. Granted this article might be referring to a different kind of Sweet 16 Party but the results could be eerily similar and should be taken to heart. Look at what happens in Newark...

This will be the January 10th headline. Should be quite a game! Hopefully Dachel can get out of the house and go to BW3's to enjoy this classic matchup. I will buy the first pitcher of Busch Light and bring a box of tissues for him! FSU is 13-2... can you believe that!!! We have not had a record like that since the George McCloud, Douglas Edwards, Charlie Ward, Sam Cassell & Bob Sura era. WOW!!! Top those players Duke!!!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Hmm, did anything happen yesterday that is worth noting on the blog today? Geez, seems like I need to mention something but I just can’t figure it out. Well, Duke won by 25 but that wasn’t much of a surprise, after all they were favored by 16. Gosh, it just seems like there is something else that happened. Oh wait, I’ve got it. The almighty North Carolina Mouth Breathers lost. Hmm, didn’t I read all over ESPN how they were going to go undefeated this year? Wow, can’t even win their first ACC game….at home. ESPN, you’re correct, no need for March Madness this year. Give UNC the crown now, they obviously are heads and shoulders above everybody else.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Well, it’s 2009 and the blog must now be fired up to count down to March Madness. With the Packers season over and the Little 10 getting their ass handed to them in the bowls there should nothing in the way of getting focused for College Basketball. As we step into the new year here’s how the brackets shake out.